Fallon's ban appeal fails

Last updated at 10:09 31 July 2006

Irish jockey Kieren Fallon has lost his appeal in the High Court against a British horse racing suspension while criminal charges for fraud are heard against him.

Fallon, 41, was banned by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) on July 7, until the conclusion of his trial on allegations to defraud in a betting scam. The trial is not expected to take place until next year.

The six-time champion condemned that decision, and that of the HRA's appeal board to uphold it, as unfair and unreasonable.

Although, a High Court verdict has upheld the HRA decision to prevent Fallon from riding in Britain, the jockey is still licensed to ride in Ireland. However, he misses out on partnering King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes favourite, Hurricane Run at Ascot as a consequence.

Justice Nigel Davis said the ban pending his trial was not 'disproportionate' and that the HRA had taken into account the principle that a person was innocent until proven guilty.

The judge said the HRA's refusal to consider race videos and police interview transcripts presented by Fallon as part of his case was 'justified'

He said the decision to impose the ban 'could not be styled as capricious or obviously wrong' and was taken by responsible HRA panels with legal and horse racing expertise.

Barrister David Pannick, who represented Fallon, had told the judge that the decision to suspend him had 'involved a false start' and should not be allowed to stand.